Business

Business briefs

’Berry merry

BlackBerry shares jumped 6.3 percent, to $14.42, after Societe Generale boosted its rating to buy from sell, saying channel checks show the smartphone maker’s new devices are selling well.

Dress up time

JC Penney CEO Mike Ullman, trying to reverse a sales collapse at the department store chain, is rolling back the un-dress code for store workers implemented by ousted CEO Ron Johnson.

Kindle coup

Amazon.com’s Kindle Worlds ebook venture has licensed the rights to “The Vampire Diaries,” “Gossip Girl” and “Pretty Little Liars,” and is inviting amateur writers to develop novels inspired by the characters.

Retail sailing

Retail sales increased 0.6 percent in May from April. That was up from a 0.1 percent gain in April and the fastest pace since February, signaling that the consumer is faring well.

Clear deal

In a deal it claims is the first of its kind, Clear Channel has signed a deal directly with Fleetwood Mac that will give the band airplay revenue, RadioWorld reported.